Drenching apparatus



July 4, 1967 A. W. TUEMLER 3,329,24

DRENCHING APPARATUS Afforney A. W. TUEMLER July 4, 1967 DRENCHI NG APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet Filed April 9, 1,964

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`uly 4, 1967 A, W. TUEMLER 3,329,124

DRENcHNG APPARATUS Filed April 9, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet ARTHUR W. TUEMLEI? Attorney United States Patent O 3,329,124 DRENCHING APPARATUS Arthur W. Tuemler, Hazel Crest, Ill., assigner to United States Steel Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Filed Apr. 9, 1964, ser. No. 358,517 1s Claims. (ci. 11s31s) This invention relates to an apparatus for drenching metal articles with treating fluid to enable, for example, the detection of surface defects upon subsequent inspection.

The invention relates more particularly to apparatus for inspecting steel billets to locate surface defects to be removed as by scarfing before final rolling to finished form. It is especially adapted for the billet inspection apparatus disclosed in the copending application of Joseph Illo, Ser. No. 356,539, iiled April 1, 1964, now Patent No. 3,243,- 875, to which reference is made for a detailed showing of the manner in which it is used therein. As disclosed in such application, surface defects in metal billets may be located by applying to the external surfaces of the billets a treating iluid containing a material which can be concentrated in the defective areas and which will become fluorescent and visible when viewed under ultraviolet light.

One of the objects of this invention accordingly is to provide an apparatus for applying the treating fluid to the billets with a drenching action.

Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus which can be operated to simultaneously drench a plurality of billets with a treating liquid of the type indicated above. A further and related object is to provide a drenching apparatus in which the treating liquid is applied uniformly to the surfaces of the billets or other articles being treated. Another object is to provide a drenching apparatus in which the treating liquid is continuously recirculated in a manner that avoids settling out of the particles or materials suspended therein.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description.

In the drawings, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention. In this showing:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view showing the preferred arrangement of the apparatus of this invention with respect to a billet handling machine;

FIGURE 2 is a plan View of the apparatus shown in FIGURE l;

FIGURE 3 is a View partially in section and partially in end elevation taken substantially along the line Ill- III of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged plan view of one of the shower drums forming a part of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 2 in which portions thereof are broken away;

FIGURE 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along the diameter of the drum shown in FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is an end view looking from the left of FIGURE 5; and

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged and detailed sectional view showing the rotary support and driving connection at one end of each shower drum.

The apparatus of this invention is designed to apply a shower of treating iluid with a drenching action to the surfaces of a plurality of billets and, for this purpose, is in the form of two shower units 10 of identical construction that are mounted in laterally spaced parallel positions above three billets B, which are also arranged in laterally spaced positions. Conveniently, a support for the billets B may be a billet handling machine 11 which forms a part of the billet inspection apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned patent. Since the machine 11 forms no part per se of this invention, it will be sufficient for the purposes of this description to indicate that it comprises a pair of side members 12 that are mounted in laterally spaced parallel positions and respectively have notches 13 at spaced intervals along their upper edges in which opposite ends of the billets B are received and supported in angularly inclined positions. The machine 11 further includes a vertically and horizontally movable frame 14 that has laterally spaced parallel side bars 15 which are operated to rotate the billets in their supporting notches 13 and to transfer them laterally therefrom. The units 10 operate in a manner to be described to drench the billets B with a shower of treating fluid and for this purpose occupy centered positions with respect to the three billets on the support 12 so that the treating fluid is applied uniformly to the outer surfaces 16 thereof. As explained in the above-mentioned application,` the treating fluid may be a liquid suspension of magnetizable particles that will become luminescent under ultraviolet light.`

An example of such Huid is the treating fluid used in the Magnaglo process of the Magnaflux Corporation.

Each of the units 10 comprises a horizontal tank 17 in the form of a cylindrical steel shell or pipe which is mounted concentrically on a feed pipe 18 that delivers the treating uid to the interior of the tank 17. As best shown in FIGURE 5, the mounting of the tank 17y on the pipe 18 comprises an annular closure plate 19 at one end thereof. At its opposite end the tank is supported by three radially extending spacer bars 2t) in angularly spaced positions, and has an external collar 21 with an end plate 22 fastened thereto by bolts 23. Each plate 22 has a V-shaped opening 24 through which treating iluid is discharged from the tank 17 in a manner to be described. The inner end of the pipe 18 is closed by a shaft 25 that extends axially outwardly through the opening 24 and is rotatably supported in a bearing 26. At the opposite end of the tank 17, an extension 27 on the pipe 18 is rotatably supported in a bearing 28. The bearings 26 and 28 are suspended by brackets 29 from a pair of beams 30 that form part of a supporting framework for the apparatus and on which each tank 17 and its supply pipe 18 are mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis parallel to the billets B.

Treating liquid is supplied to the feed pipes 18 through the extensions 27 which have their outer ends 31 connected by rotary unions 32 with branch pipes 33 that are in turn connected with a supply line 34 through which treating fluid is delivered continuously from a pump (not shown.) Throttle valves 35 in each of the branch pipes 33 regulate the feed of fluid to the pipes 18 which is delivered to the tanks 17 through openings 36 which are arranged at spaced intervals along lines extending axially thereof. Diametrically opposite the pipe openings 36, each tank 17 is provided with an axially extending discharge that is formed by a plurality of axially extending slots 37. The slots 3'7 are staggered or arranged alternately on opposite sides of a line extending axially along the length of the tank 17 and have a length such that their adjacent ends overlap each other. If desired, a single slot extending the entire length of the tank 17 could be used but the staggered `arrangement of a plurality of slots 37 is preferred since this arrangement provides a stronger and more rugged tank-wall construction.

Each of the tanks normally occupies a stationary rotary position as shown in FIGURES 6I and 7 of the drawings in which the openings 36 in the feed pipe 18 extend vertically d-ownwardly into the tank 17 and the discharge slots 37 open upwardly. By reason of this arrangement, the treat-ing liquid rises to a level in the tanks 17 that is determined by the rate at which it is delivered through the feed pipes 18 and the rate at which it is discharged through the V-shaped openings 24. The rate at Which the liquid is delivered through the feed pipes 18 is determined by the characteristics of the pump (not shown) which delivers the fluid to the supply pipe 34 and the regulating action of the throttle valves 35. By reason of their V- shape, the discharge openings 24 function as V-notch weirs to regulate the depth or quantity of solution in the tank 17 in accordance with the definite hydrostatic head required to discharge the amount of tiuid entering through valve 35. The valves 35 are adjusted to provide a rate of liquid feed such that the level of iiuid in the tank 17 does not rise above the tank center-line and consequently is not discharged through the slots 37. In this position, it will be apparent that the liquid is delivered in a downward ldirection from the feed openings 36 and thus agitates the liquid in the tank 17 with a stirring action that minimizes settlement of material suspended in such liquid.

In order to drench the billets B, the tanks 17 must be rotated to positions in which the treating liquid therein will gravitate through the discharge slots 37. This rotation is preferably effected cyclically in a manner such that the tanks 17 rotate through one revolution for each drench of the underlying billets and are returned to their normal stationary position as shown in the drawings. Rotation of the tanks 17 for this purpose is effected by chain and sprocket drives 40 for each tank which respectively comprise a sprocket 41 that is driven by fa sprocket chain 42 and a drive sprocket 43. The drive sprockets 43 are keyed on a common drive shaft 44 that is operated by an electric motor 45 through a speed reducing transmission 46. Operation of the motor 45 to effect cyclic rotation of the tanks 17 in the manner indicated above is controlled by a rotary limit switch 47 of conventional construction that has a chain and sprocket drive 48 connecting it for rotation by one of the operating shafts 25 and can be adjusted to stop the tanks after a single revolution in the position shown in the drawings. The rotary limit switch 47 as indicated is conventional and, for example, may be that of The Clark Controller Co. as shown in catalogue Bulletin 102-CL, page 2, of April, 1952 of this company. The chain and sprocket drives 4t) operate, for example, to drive both tanks in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIGURE 3. As each tank rotates, its discharge openings 37 rotate downwardly to positions below the level of the liquid in the tanks 17 so that liquid therein gravitates through the slots 37 and downwardly onto the surfaces 16 of the underlying billets. As this rotation takes place, the Weir-discharge openings 424 in the end plates 22 also rotate in such manner that the points 48 of their V-shaped notches move upwardly out of the liquid in the tanks 17. As this movement takes place, the portions 49 of the plates 22 opposite the points 48 move downwardly into the liquid in the tank 17 and become effective as dams to prevent the discharge of liquid through the openings 24 while it is discharging through the slots 37.

Each of the tanks 17 is equipped with a trough in the form `of a semi-cylindrical shell 51 that is mounted concentrically with respect thereto in a position opposite the discharge slots 37. The shells 51 are secured in spaced relation to the tanks 17 by semi-circular spacer plates 52 at opposite ends thereof and by intermediate spacer plates 53. The spacer plates S2 act as closures at opposite ends of the troughs 51, but the intermediate spacer plates 53 have openings 54 so that fluid will not be trapped in any part of the shell 51 and will seek a common level therein. The shell 51 acts as a trough that catches fluid dripping therefrom as the discharge slots 37 move to their normal upper position as shown in FIGURE 6. Upon subsequent rotation of the drums 17, the fluid in the trough 51 is discharged downwardly onto the billet surfaces 16.

As indicated, lthe treating liquid is continuously recirculated through the tank 17 and, for this purpose, drip pans are provided under the tanks 17 for returning the liquid to the reservoir and pump (not shown) which delivers the treating liquid to supply pipe 34. The drip pans for this purpose include a discharge pan 56l for collecting the liquid that circulates through the tank discharge openings 24. The liquid thus discharged into the tank 56 is delivered by a conduit 57 t-o a gutter or trough S3 by which it is returned to the sump or reservoir from which it is recirculated to the supply pipe 34. Drip pans 59 and 60 under opposite ends of the billets and a drip pan 61 between the billet supports 12 collect the liquid dripping downwardly from the billets B for delivery to the return trough 58.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the specific arrangement of the tanks 17 as shown in the drawings and the manner in which they are operated cyclically through a single revolution to discharge treating liquid through the discharge slots 37 operate to drench the underlying billets. All surfaces of the billets B are drenched completely with the treating liquid which is thus applied uniformly to all portions of such surfaces. Attention is particularly directed to the fact that the parallel arrangement of two tanks 17 enables the uniform drenching of a plurality of underlying billets.

While one embodiment of my invention has been shown and described it will be apparent that other adaptations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for drenching billets with treating fluid comprising a support for holding a billet in a horizontal position, a tank adapted to contain a supply of said treating fluid, means mounting said tank for rotation in a position above said support with its axis of rotation parallel to the b-illet carried by said support, said tank having a discharge extending axially along the length thereof and normally occupying a rotary position in which said discharge faces upwardly and is ineffective for the release of fluid therefrom, means for rotating said tank to render said discharge effective to release iiuid from said tank onto said billet, and means for collecting the excessive fluid dripping from said billet and for recirculating it to said tank.

2. An apparatus as 'defined in claim 1 characterized by said support being adapted to support a group of at least three billets in laterally spaced parallel relation, and by there being two of said tanks centered over said group of three billets, said tanks being parallel to each other and to said billets and being respectively operable to discharge treating fluid upon rotation thereof.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 characterized by said discharge comprising a plurality of axially extending slots arranged alternately on opposite sides of a line extending axially along the length of said tank.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 characterized by means operable cyclically for rotating said tank through a single revolution to rotate said discharge downwardly out of said upwardly facing position and then upwardly to return it to said position.

5. Apparatus as dened in claim 1 characterized by said tank having a concentric semi-cylindrical shell forming a trough about its lower portion for receiving uid dripping downward-ly when said tank is in its said normal posltlon.

6. An apparatus for drenc-hing an elongated product with treating fluid comprising an elongated horizontal tank above said product and adapted to be lled with fluid to a predetermined level, bearing means at opposite ends of said tank supporting lit for rotation, said tank having a discharge extending axially along the length thereof and normally occupying a stationary rotary position in which said discharge faces upwardly and is above the level of the fluid in said tank, means for rotating said tank to move said discharge to a position below the level of the fluid in said tank so that iiuid may flow from said tank onto said product, and means for continuously circulating fluid through said tank including means effective when said tank is in its said stationary position for maintaining the iluid therein at said predetermined level.

7. Apparatus as delined in claim 6 characterized by said fluid level maintaining means comprising an end plate having a V-shaped opening therein through which said circulating fluid is `discharged from said tank, said V-shaped opening forming a flow-control Weir for controlling the rate at which the fluid is discharged from said tank.

S. Apparatus as deiined in claim 6 characterized by said fluid circulating means comprising a supply pipe extending centrally and axially through said tank, and having feed openings along its length respectively that open downwardly into said tank through which fluid is fed from said pipe into said tank.

9. A drenching apparatus of the character described comprising a horizontal fluid supply pipe having feed openings at spaced intervals along its length, means supporting said pipe for rotation, a cylindrical tank mounted concentrically on said pipe for rotation therewith and being adapted to receive uid from said pipe feed openings, said tank having a discharge extending axially along the length thereof, said tank normally occupying a rotary position in which said discharge extends along its upper edge, and means for rotating said tank to a position in which fluid may gravitate through said discharge.

10. A drenching apparatus as claimed in claim 9 characterized by said pipe feed openings and said tank discharge facing in diametrically opposite directions whereby fluid is fed from said pipe downwardly into said tank when it is in said normal rotary position.

11. A drenching apparatus as dened in claim 10 characterized by said tank having a closure plate at one end forming part of its mounting on said pipe and a plate at its other end having a V-shaped opening therein forming a discharge-Weir operating to control the level of uid in said tank when it is in its said rotary position.

12. An apparatus for drenching billets with treating uid comprising a support for holding three billets in -laterally spaced parallel horizontal positions, a pair of elongated uid distributing devices in centered positions above said billets parallel to each other and to said billets, each of said devices comprising a cylindrical tank adapted to contain a supply of treating Huid, means mounting said tank for rotation about a horizontal axis parallel to said billets, said tank having a discharge extending axially along the length thereof and normally occupying a rotary position in which said discharge extends along its upper edge, and a common electrically operated drive for simultaneously rotating the tanks in each of said devices to positions in which the fluid therein may gravitate through their said respective discharges, said drive being operable cyclically for rotating said tanks through a single revolution at each operation thereof.

13. An apparatus for drenching bille-ts with treating fluid comprising the combination with a support for holding a billet in a horizont-al position, of a fluid distributing device supported in a position over said billet comprisng a cylindrcal tank adapted to contain a supply of treating fluid, means mounting said tank for rotation about a horizontal axis parallel to said billet, said tank having a discharge means extending axially along the length thereof and normally occupying a rotary position in which said discharge means extends along its upper edge, drive means for rotating said tank to a position in which the tluid therein may gravitate through said discharge means onto said billet, means for collecting excess fluid dripping from said billet and recirculating it to said tank, and means for controlling lthe operation of said drive means cyclically to rotate said tank through a single revolution at each operation thereof.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,903,742 4/1933 Bendel 222-166 X 1,963,147 6/1934 Russel 118-323 X 2,118,212 5/1938 MacLaurin 118-323 X 2,775,168 12/1956 Baxter 222-166 X 3,155,286 ll/1964 Van Peursem 222--166 3,180,315 4/1965 Moloney 222-166 X 3,186,644 6/1965 Ross et al 239-537 3,229,513 1/1966 Roberts 73-l04 3,245,842 4/ 1966 Miller et al. 148-128 X FOREIGN PATENTS 276,439 8/ 1927 Great Britain. 249,685 5 1948 Switzerland.

DANIEL BLUM, Primary Examiner. 

1. AN APPARATUS FOR DRENCHING BILLETS WITH TREATING FLUID COMPRISING A SUPPORT FOR HOLDING A BILLET IN A HORIZONTAL POSITION, A TANK ADAPTED TO CONTAIN A SUPPLY OF SAID TREATING FLUID, MEANS MOUNTING SAID TANK FOR ROTATION IN A POSITION ABOVE SAID SUPPORT WITH ITS AXIS OF ROTATION PARALLEL TO THE BILLET CARRIED BY SAID SUPPORT, SAID TANK HAVING A DISCHARGE EXTENDING AXIALLY ALONG THE LENGTH THEREOF AND NORMALLY OCCUPYING A ROTARY POSITION IN WHICH SAID DISCHARGE FACES UPWARDLY AND IS INEFFECTIVE FOR THE RELEASE OF FLUID THEREFROM, MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID TANK TO RENDER SAID DISCHARGE EFFECTIVE TO RELEASE FLUID FROM SAID TANK ONTO SAID BILLET, AND MEANS FOR COLLECTING THE EXCESSIVE FLUID DRIPPING FROM SAID BILLET AND FOR RECIRCULATING IT TO SAID TANK. 